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What is Energy Star and how will Advanced Energy Panels bring my windows up to energy star levels of efficiency?
     
 

Energy Star is a program started by the EPA in 1992 with the hope of promoting energy efficient products. You've seen the logo on thousands of appliances, homes, and other products that use energy.

Advanced Energy Panels are not in themselves Energy Star rated nor can they be because they are not windows but are window supplements for which no category exists.  When used in combination with even the most worn of windows though Energy Star levels of performance and efficiency were exceeded.  See our test data posted for details.

To meet Energy Star standards in the strict, northern zone for instance, windows must have a U-Factor of .35 or less. Lower is better. Only very recent, hi-tech windows can meet that. Old, single pane windows were up at an energy-wasting .91!

Advanced Energy Panels help all windows in all zones. Even when applied to old, single pane glass, Advanced Energy Panels make it possible for them to achieve an outstanding, low U-Factor of only .29!

For more details on these energy figures and the engineering tests that proved how efficient Advanced Energy Panels are, click on Engineering Tests.

 

 
     
 

 


 


Here are the short answers for you; for more complete details, click on the underlined links.

Q: I've been shopping for REPLACEMENT WINDOWS. The salesman showed me some very convincing facts and demonstrations. How can the Advanced Energy Panel technology possibly be equal to that?

A: Advanced Energy Panels offer the same instant comfort and energy savings by adding two extra layers of glazing to your existing windows. It also adds two pockets of trapped air.  Trapped air is a great insulator.  Each glazing layer stops a certain amount of cold air. And with our overall sealing of the window, we stop infiltration better than any regular replacement window. View How It Works or Engineering Tests for details.

Q: I already have STORM WINDOWS. Why would I need Advanced Energy Panels and why are they mounted on the inside  instead of outside like regular storms?

A: Outside storms are only good for keeping out rain.  They are deliberately designed to leak to prevent ice build up.  The popular aluminum types waste a considerable amount of heat. By mounting Advanced Energy Panels inside, you place a tight vapor barrier on the inside (as it should be) which stops infiltration and condensation. Click Who Needs It or How It Works.

Q: I have an attractive house. Will Advanced Energy Panels be as good as vinyl replacement windows?

A: Yes. The beauty of Advanced Energy Panels is that they are virtually invisible from the outside and blend into your homes interior by matching the muntin (cross brace) spacing of your current windows. Click who needs it.

Q: I just realized that your glazing material is plastic FILM. In a few years, won't that start looking like the cloudy stuff they use for construction poly?

A: No. Most people don't realize our glazing material isn't glass until they touch it. It's a special Polyolefin film designed for clarity, long life and tensile strength. It is very different from conventional films. It also has no Off Gas issues to be concerned about. This film will last for years and if ever pierced can be cheaply replaced in just minutes. Click How It Works, Engineering Tests, or About Us.

Q: I have NON-STANDARD window sizes. Will Advanced Energy Panels fit?

A: Yes. Each Advanced Energy Panel is custom cut to fit your exact window. We can't handle curves yet, but any rectangular or slightly crooked frame is no problem. See Mounting Details.

Q: Will Advanced Energy Panels fit CASEMENT, SLIDERS, TILT and other types of windows?

A: There is usually a way to mount the Advanced Energy Panels so that they clear obstructions such as window cranks, handles and hinges.  See Mounting Details.

Q: I'm very concerned about the health problems of MOLD. Won't sealing up my windows make that worse?

A: No. There is a right way and a wrong way to seal a window. Sealing the outside will cause condensation and mold, which is exactly the problem with improper exterior storms. Our Advanced Energy Panel seals the inside with a vapor barrier which keeps the warm, moist air from condensing on the cold outer glass. View How It Works.

Q: How will I know if your product lives up to its PROMISES of instant comfort and instant energy savings?

A: On the first cold day, you'll know; just touch the Advanced Energy Panel. It will be much warmer than unprotected glass. On the first windy day, compare the air infiltration. Or just click on Engineering Tests or Satisfied Customers

Q: What should I do if the Advanced Energy Panel film ever gets DIRTY or damaged?

A: Clean the film with any regular glass cleaner and paper towel or a soft cloth. Small punctures can be mended with clear tape; for major damage, $10 of new film and 20 minutes of your time will replace it entirely. Compare that with rigid glass, acrylic or Plexiglas which must be thrown out if damaged. Click How It Works.

Q: Will Advanced Energy Panels interfere with CURTAINS, BLINDS and other coverings?

A: In most cases, Advanced Energy Panels will fit next to these without interfering.  Sometimes, it may be necessary to extend the curtain rods, etc. an extra 3/4" into the room.

Q: Do Advanced Energy Panels save AIR CONDITIONING costs?

A: Yes. The ability of Advanced Anergy Panels to stop drafts and insulate cold from warm works just as well in summer as in winter. Depending on the temperature differential, you won't save as much energy. Cold weather can be 70 to 80 degrees below "room temperature"; hot weather is usually only 20 to 30 degrees above. However, A/C probably runs on electricity, which is more expensive than gas or oil.

See the chart at right and click on How It Works for details.

Q: Do Advanced Energy Panels fit Porches?

A: Yes. Many of our customers use Advanced Energy Panels to extend the usable season. The panels mount on the inside and come off easily for summer storage.

Q: Should I STORE the Advanced Energy Panels?  How?

A: If you use air-conditioning, you can save  electricity by leaving your panels in place year round.  Or remove them in seconds (see handy attachment clips in Mounting Details).  The panels are light-weight, safe, and easy to handle.  Most people label them and place them in a box for off-season storage.

Q: Will Advanced Energy Panels help reduce NOISE from the outdoors?

A: Partly. While we have no lab tests to quantify the impact on noise, we have many customer comments indicating a significant reduction in noise levels. Visit Satisfied Customers.

Q: What is "STACK & STORE"?

A: It is an optional feature of the Advanced Energy Panel which offers you an easier way to let in fresh air on mild days. When windows are covered with multiple panels, one panel can be attached to the other.

 

 

 

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